A Trick of the Light Page 4

  Rupert was holding up his spoon, calling down the table to Fergus, ‘Is this your family’s crest?’

  Every piece of cutlery had a fish engraved on the handle.

  ‘Not ours,’ said Fergus. ‘That’s the Kelton family crest.’

  Jane’s eyes narrowed as she stared at him. Crumbs, do I have a short-sighted artist on the course?

  ‘Then why do you have theirs?’ said Shane.

  ‘My father bought this silver when they sold it. He liked the association with salmon.’

  ‘The river Trickle is a salmon river,’ said Zoe, filling in the gaps.

  ‘Kelton,’ said Jane, joining the conversation, ‘a kelt is what you call a freshwater fish after spawning and before returning to the sea. And,’ there was no stopping her, ‘if it were me hosting a house full of strangers, I’d have locked up the silver.’ She glanced at Shane, which was embarrassing. It was far too early in the week for jokes like this.

  After dinner, Jane and Minty went straight to bed and the rest of us piled into the sitting room, Fergus having suggested a dram. Haggis was curled up by the fire and as soon as I sat down in an armchair he jumped up onto my lap.

  ‘Oh Haggis, you naughty boy,’ said Zoe. ‘Just push him off if you don’t like it, Susie.’

  ‘He’s adorable.’ I patted his soft coat, pleased to have him on my knee, sharing his affection at last.

  Louis was slumped in an armchair, watching my hand stroke the auburn fur. His arrogance rejected conversation so I didn’t even try.

  ‘Whisky, Susie?’ said Fergus.

  ‘No thank you.’

  The wine with dinner had made me sleepy and I didn’t plan on staying up much longer.

  Shane and Lianne both said ‘yes’ and Fergus convinced them it was best drunk with a slug of water. Then, I presume exhausted by the formality of the evening, they rushed off to watch TV opposite. Giles wasn’t exactly invited but followed too.

  Zoe sat down next to me. She genuinely wanted to hear about my life. Here was a Countess with no airs and graces. She’d kicked off her shoes, snuggled her feet up under her kilt and asked me if I would draw Haggis this week.

  ‘Yes, I’d love to if I find the time.’

  ‘Great, that would be such a bonus. I saw the prices on your website. Such good value I thought.’

  She went on to explain what she used to do. ‘I can’t tell you how pleased my mother was when I met the Muchtons again. My parents thought being an accountant was no way to find a husband. But, Susie, I liked working and that’s why having quit my job I’ve thrown myself into making a go of things here. My training is perfect for turning a profit. I have no doubt I’ll make this place work.’

  Her enthusiasm was admirable but I cannot believe any of her suggestions at dinner will bring in enough money to sustain living here. Being an accountant, she must be fully aware of the sums involved. Now I’m thinking perhaps she has a much bigger plan up her sleeve? Even an idea she hasn’t actually shared with her husband yet?

  ‘You mentioned “met again”?’ I said. ‘Did you and Fergus know each other before?’

  ‘Ha, well. I don’t like to count it. But I did spend a night here when I was a child. My mother likes to constantly remind me, but Fergus wasn’t even born then.’

  Our conversation was abruptly interrupted by Fergus. ‘Darling, listen to this, you’ll never believe what Rupert’s just told me.’

  Zoe raised her eyebrows at me and turned to join in.

  ‘He knew the Kelton family.’

  ‘I didn’t know them,’ corrected Rupert. ‘It was my first job, I’d just started working for Walker & Mackintosh. I was the land agent for the Kelton family estate and my colleague managed the contents sale. When you mentioned them at dinner their name rang a bell and I’ve just twigged why.’

  ‘Father bought a lot of the contents,’ said Fergus. ‘It was thirty-odd years ago.’

  ‘How amusing,’ said Zoe.

  ‘I’ll never forget it,’ said Rupert, crossing his ankles while making sure not to crinkle the creases down the front of his trousers. ‘Hector Kelton was a tricky client.’

  ‘Ooh do tell us more,’ said Zoe, longing for a bit of aristocratic gossip.

  ‘I’ll fill you in later,’ interjected Fergus. He clearly did not want his wife asking any more questions.

  Zoe stretched out her arms and ran her hands through her wonderfully thick hair. ‘I think I’m going to go to bed. Night, everyone.’

  I pushed Haggis off my knee and got up to leave. But when Fergus asked Louis how he’d heard about this week, Zoe blocked the doorframe, waiting for his answer.

  ‘Ewen told me about it.’

  ‘Ewen?’

  Haggis gave a little yap.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Fergus’s brother?’ said Zoe, which was confusing… surely she knew who he meant?

  Even I knew. Before arriving here, in the north of Scotland, at a big house, with titled owners, I’d done some shallow research on the current generation of Muchtons. Just enough to start a very basic conversation if needs be. Nothing invasive, of course not, it would be unfair to form an opinion prior to meeting. But I do know Fergus’s brother Ewen is his twin – the younger twin. Imagine that. Missing out on inheriting all of this by a whisker.

  ‘Yes,’ said Louis.

  Fergus stared at him. ‘Why didn’t you mention you knew my brother, at dinner?’

  ‘He’s barely been here a couple of hours, angel, give the man a chance,’ Zoe giggled. ‘Or maybe, Louis,’ she tipped her head at him, ‘you didn’t want to say.’

  Is there a problem between Fergus and his brother?

  Zoe flicked her hair over her shoulder and walked out of the room. Haggis and I followed closely behind her.

  ‘Night, Susie,’ she said as she bent down to hold the dog back.

  ‘Night, and thank you.’

  ‘Haggis,’ beckoned Fergus as I went upstairs. ‘Come on, boy, let’s go and look at the stars.’

  ‘Think I’ll join you,’ I heard Rupert say as I turned under the arch into the children’s corridor.

  Stuart’s words, ‘Make sure youse lock your doors tonight’, crept into my head and when a bedroom door creaked open I jumped on the spot.

  ‘Susie,’ said Minty, catching me fumble, ‘are you okay?’

  ‘Yes, sorry, I just got a fright.’

  ‘Sure?’

  ‘Of course,’ I smiled. ‘Sleep well.’

  I’m actually quite a brave person at heart but this house has me on edge. From the moment I stepped through the front door I’ve been acutely aware of an unsettled feeling inside. And as friendly as our hosts are, there seems to be a string of surprises ready and waiting to pounce: Stuart in a fluster; Mhàiri’s scream; Rupert’s connection with the past; Louis knowing Fergus’s brother – and that’s all just from the first night. Is there some funny business going on?

  Old Scottish houses often have a tale or two and I’m beginning to think I might enjoy working this one out. I have played amateur detective in the past. Me and Toby, should I say. He was a side-kick extraordinaire. But I’d love to solve a puzzle without him. Prove I can stand on my own two feet.

  Monday morning is here and day one of teaching has begun. We’re in the music room and I’m handing out orders as if I’ve done it before.

  ‘Drawing boards behind the door. Easels over here, there’s enough to go around. Just ask if you don’t know how they work.’ I counted everyone up. ‘Anyone know what’s happened to Louis?’

  No answer.

  ‘Anyone?’ Still no answer. ‘Well, Giles, as you’re all set up please go and give him a shout.’

  ‘Certainly.’

  The class’s work clothes told a tale. Jane and Felicity had matching smocks tied over calf-length skirts. Rupert had splashed out on a linen artist’s apron, one with brush holders in the front. Clearly all three of them had been on a shopping spree up the Fulham Road. That’s where the best art shop is, appa
rently – out of my budget so I’ve never been. Lianne and Shane were in paint-splattered boiler suits, Minty was in a man’s shirt possibly belonging to a boyfriend, and Giles, who’d returned with no word of Louis, was in a tattersall shirt not in the least bit tatty.

  ‘I’m afraid the model is going to be a bit late,’ I explained. Zoe had filled me in after breakfast. ‘Her car wouldn’t start so Fergus has gone to pick her up. In the meantime, let’s get everything organised. Shane and Giles, please can you move that chaise longue into the centre of the room? Then you can all make a circle with your easels around it, not too close, you’ll need a wide angle.’ My arms pointed left and right as the orders flowed. I was a natural. This confidence is alien, but I’m thrilled to have it within.

  The room was warm. Someone must have been in early to turn on the gas heaters as they’d burnt off their initial smell.

  ‘Lianne,’ I said, ‘grab those rugs in the corner and drape them over the back of the chaise longue, perhaps extend them onto the floor, you choose. Minty.’ She was fiddling with her mobile. ‘There are some cushions in a bag over there. Take your pick of colours and scatter them on the rugs, please.’

  ‘Miss, I’m boiling,’ said Shane.

  ‘You’re only drawing this morning so why not take your overalls off?’

  Lianne followed his lead.

  ‘Louis,’ I said as he strolled into the room, ‘is everything okay?’

  ‘Just fine, sorry, I lost track of time.’

  ‘Where were you?’ asked Giles.

  ‘In my room.’

  ‘No, you weren’t, I looked in there…nice room by the way.’

  ‘I was also outside for a bit of fresh air.’ Visiting his friend Ewen I bet. ‘Anyway, sorry I’m late. What can I do?’

  ‘Copy the others and set up an easel. Then tape a large piece of paper onto a drawing board.’

  ‘There ain’t no tape,’ said Shane.

  ‘We were meant to bring our own,’ said Minty, having hidden hers.

  ‘You can use some of mine,’ offered Rupert as he dived into his picnic basket.

  ‘Thanks, mate.’

  Felicity’s short arms were struggling to secure the tall board onto her easel.

  ‘Here, let me get that.’

  ‘Thanks, Susie.’

  ‘I hope you slept well.’

  ‘Yes, sorry I didn’t stay up for dinner.’ Her eyes dipped to the floor. ‘I didn’t feel strong enough.’

  ‘Do you feel okay now?’

  ‘Much better. Raring to go.’

  Louis was by the windows looking out at one great big expanse of untouched snow with only a stone fountain in the centre peeking up as if gasping for air.

  ‘Beautiful,’ I said, sidling up to him.

  He gave me a cheeky wink. ‘It’ll be gone by lunch. It’s mild out there.’

  The door to the room flew open and Haggis rushed in before Fergus’s outstretched leg could stop him. ‘Haggis, Haggis. Come here. Drawing isn’t for doggies.’ Minty helped usher the dog out.

  ‘I’m so surry,’ came an apology from the young woman strutting her fine figure into the room. ‘Hiya youse, I’m Cailey Baird.’

  Fergus hovered a second longer than necessary, then left, pulling the door closed behind him.

  None of the students uttered a word.

  ‘Hi, Cailey, I’m Susie, the tutor.’

  ‘Hiya.’

  I decided it was best not to introduce everyone by name. Getting on too personal a level with a life model can bring about all sorts of complications and the risks of this were rising by the second. Calling central casting, this blonde bombshell (think Nastassja Kinski in Paris, Texas) was now wrestling off her crimson mohair sweater. Baird by name bared by nature.

  ‘I’ve put a screen up over there,’ I pointed outside the circle of easels encouraging her to change behind it, ‘bit of modesty for you.’

  ‘Aye, Susie, I’ll do whitever yous want. I’ll teek me kit aff over there. Ne problem.’

  Her smile was enthralling. Great big white teeth gleaming between shocking pink lipstick that had most definitely been applied up the bumpy front drive.

  The room fell silent as Cailey’s uninhibited figure appeared from behind the screen. Her skin was the colour of porcelain and even I had to remind myself life drawing is life drawing, not perving at a naked body. It’s studying the beauty of the way light falls on the nude. The shadows in the crevasses and the darkness of the folds. Concentrating on the luminosity of skin and letting your eye travel across the figure.

  ‘Right ya,’ she said, ‘where do yous want me?’

  ‘Come, stand in the centre.’

  As Cailey crept between the easels her tear-drop bosoms were the only things in the whole room looking towards the floor. Even the fire gave a crackle and a flicker.

  ‘You must say if you want to do something different,’ I had to get this class started ASAP, ‘but I was thinking of six short poses to loosen everyone up?’

  ‘Right ya. This kind of thing do?’

  Cailey was lunging forwards, posed with her arms up in the air. A trained dancer I’m sure, no normal person has balance as good as this. Her figure was taut and the light streaming in the windows sculpted her every muscle. This room was perfect.

  ‘Yes. That’s ideal. Now, everyone, I’d like you to draw each short pose on the same sheet of paper. Try to get down the essentials of the figure, don’t get tied up in the detail. Fluency is the thing here and lightning response.’

  Jane exhaled loudly and Felicity asked if she could start.

  ‘Yes, yes, get going. I want you to trace the outline of the body, get a feel for the extension of the limbs.’

  I made sure not to mention Cailey’s name, referring to her as an object not a person in the hopes it would help everyone concentrate.

  It seemed to be working…

  ‘Next pose please.’

  ‘I haven’t finished,’ said Rupert.

  ‘It’s about practising not finishing. Don’t worry. There will be a long pose after the break. These ones are just to get you going.’

  Giles, Shane, Minty and Lianne drew fast. The scratching sound of their charcoal on paper intimidating the less experienced others who were, in my opinion, spending too much time looking and not enough drawing.

  ‘Rapid sketches,’ I said. ‘One, two, three, it doesn’t matter how many, just get your hand working. Another pose please.’

  ‘This okay?’ Cailey was crouching down with one leg extended.

  ‘Perfect. Just great. Thank you.’ She really was an excellent model.

  ‘Susie?’ said Rupert.

  I went to his side.

  ‘I don’t know how to tackle this.’

  Cailey’s leg was shooting out straight at him, her crotch only just obscured by a conveniently placed thigh.

  ‘Foreshortening is hard.’ I stood behind him so as I could get a better view. ‘Don’t worry about the scale, just focus on the movement, get the muscles down. You can work on accuracy later.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  Jane’s hand was down by her side, she’d given up. Time for a new pose. I got Cailey to perch on the chaise longue.

  ‘If you can keep your back straight, Cailey, that’d be great. I want the class to focus on your centre of gravity.’

  ‘Sure thing.’

  When the exercise came to an end, everyone gave their drawing hands a good shake. I nodded at Cailey who disappeared behind the screen. Two seconds and she was back, pulling a satin dressing gown over her shoulders and not bothering to tie up the belt.

  ‘Miss,’ said Shane, ‘I’m going to the toilet.’

  Jane and Felicity left the room too.

  ‘We’ll start again at half past ten. Moving into a long pose. Come, Cailey, let’s work it out.’

  ‘Can she lie down?’ said Minty.

  ‘Everyone okay with that?’

  Five heads nodded.

  ‘Chuck us a cushion,’ said Cai
ley. ‘This settee’s rock ’ard. Don’t half smell too.’

  ‘Moth balls,’ said Giles.

  ‘Hang on a minute, I’ll go get a quilt from my car – it’s comfy and it’ll definitely smell better.’

  ‘Cheers,’ said Cailey, and I left the room.

  The sky was bright blue, the air crisp, and the cold hit me as I stepped outside. I rushed down the outdoor staircase full of glee that the class, so far, seemed to be going well. Louis had blithely ploughed his own furrow, drawing body parts on several bits of paper, but the rest of them had taken my instruction on board and drawn rapidly on one piece of paper.

  A clapped-out Peugeot squeaked into the yard. Zoe was behind the wheel. Presumably back from visiting Stuart.

  ‘Hi,’ I waved as she parked next to my car.

  ‘Hi, Susie.’ She heaved a huge sigh as she got out. ‘This buzz-box is hopeless in the snow. I’m so glad it’s melting.’

  Then, looking at my flat tyre, she joked, ‘It’s jolly lucky you made it here last night.’

  ‘Yes, isn’t it. I was going to tell you about that later.’

  ‘Well, if you don’t need to get away before, we’ll make sure it’s sorted by Friday.’

  ‘How kind, thank you.’

  ‘Class going okay?’

  ‘Oh yes, great. I’m just getting something from my car.’

  ‘Well, if you’ve time can I have a quick word?’

  I stopped with surprise. Had I done something wrong already?

  ‘It won’t take long, it’s just I wanted to mention Fergus’s brother to you, in confidence.’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Ewen lives in a cottage down the back drive. He has done for years, although I’m sure he’ll move on one day. He’s very nice, I like him a lot,’ – I’m detecting a bit of tension between Ewen and Fergus – ‘but it’s quite like him to decide he wants to join the course and I don’t think that would be a good idea.’

  ‘Okay,’ I said, a little confused why I was being told.

  ‘I just feel that for our paying residents it’s unfair if family get to do it for free.’